Airbus is likely to sign new aircraft deals with airlines in China by the end of this year, John Leahy, the European aircraft maker's chief operating officer for customers, said Thursday.

Leahy didn't elaborate on his comments at a news conference in Hong Kong, where he said Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. (0293.HK) had confirmed an earlier order for 30 A350-900 aircraft.

Leahy's comments follow a report Monday by French business daily La Tribune that the unit of European Aeronautics Defence & Space NV Co. (EAD.FR) is in talks with Chinese authorities and several Chinese airlines to sell 150 aircraft for a total amount of around EUR16 billion.

The report said the announcement of a potential deal could take place in November, during China President Hu Jintao's next state visit to France.

Separately, Cathay Pacific Chief Executive Tony Tyler told reporters he expects the company's good performance to continue, driven by a robust market. He said the Hong Kong-based airline will continue to look at buying new aircraft if the market stays strong.

-By Joanne Chiu, Dow Jones Newswires; 852-2802-7002; joanne.chiu@dowjones.com
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